Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to my legs if I decide not to have treatment?

Vein disease is like an iceberg; the bulging veins you see at the skin surface reflect a much deeper process in the leg. The disease is inherently progressive; the longer it is left untreated the more severe symptoms may become. These include aesthetic concerns as well as physical symptoms like leg pain or heaviness.

Untreated vein disease can also result in spontaneous vein rupture, where even minor injuries may result in significant bleeding. Superficial thrombophlebitis, or inflammation of the veins, may also result. The most significant complication is deep vein thrombosis, in which a clot forms within the vein of the leg. This clot may break off and travel to the lungs, resulting in a medical emergency.

If diseased veins are eliminated, where does the blood go?

When damaged veins are sealed or removed, the body naturally redirects blood flow into the deep veins of the leg. This is a normal healthy process with no negative consequences.

What are the risks of vein treatment procedures?

As with any procedure, certain risks are inherent in thermal ablation, sclerotherapy and phlebectomy. Risks of thermal ablation include bruising, skin numbness and tingling, leg swelling, hyperpigmentation and deep vein thrombosis. Sclerotherapy can result in hyperpigmentation or bruising, allergic reactions, blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. We discuss each of these concerns in detail during your initial consultation.

Why do I have to wear compression hose?

Compression hose are a simple but very effective method for augmenting our treatments. All patients are placed in compression hose during their initial consultation, as well as following all major procedures. The hose enhance the effectiveness of the treatment by providing significant relief of symptoms and reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

What kind of anesthesia do I get for my vein treatments? Will I be awake?

You will be awake throughout your treatments. Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia, because it is administered using a needle so tiny that most patients experience only minimal discomfort. Both thermal ablation and phlebectomy call for two types of anesthesia: oral and local subcutaneous. Before the procedure, patients receive oral diazepam or valium to help relieve any anxiety associated with undergoing treatment. We then administer a form of lidocaine similar to what you receive at the dentist around the vein being treated.

When will my legs look and feel better?

Many people who undergo vein therapy experience almost instant relief of aching and pain. However, it is important to remember that each patient is unique, and optimum results may require multiple treatments over time. At your consultation, the doctor will evaluate your particular condition and help set realistic expectations.

What if I need the vein for bypass surgery in the future?

We treat diseased veins only, which are not appropriate for bypass surgery. Physicians can use other healthy vessels should bypass surgery be necessary.

Who should not be treated?

Patients should wait at least three months after pregnancy or major surgery before being treated for vein disease. Patients with deep vein thrombosis or incompetence, and patients who cannot ambulate for other reasons are not good candidates for treatment.

How do I know if I have vein disease?

Most vein disease can be seen by looking at the size and color of the vein at the skin surface. In some cases, however, the diseased vein may be deeper in the leg and cannot be seen through the skin, so it’s important to consider other symptoms when diagnosing vein disease. Many patients with vein disease experience cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness or “tired” or “restless” legs, especially in the calf muscles. Always consult a doctor if you have concerns about your vein health.

How common is vein disease?

Vein disease of the legs is one of the most common medical conditions. Approximately half of the population has some form of vein disease. Varicose veins affect between 15 and 25% of all adults, and approximately 50% of people over age 50. Women have a higher incidence of vein disease than men.

How does vein disease occur?

The single most important cause of vein disease is heredity. Approximately 70% of all patients with varicose veins have parents with the same condition. Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, is also a contributing cause. Other factors influencing vein disease include age, obesity and occupations requiring standing for long periods.

Can vein disease be prevented?

If you have a family history of vein disease, there is nothing you can do to change your genes. Being overweight can accelerate the progression of vein disease, and long periods of standing can also add to the problem. Diet and footwear are generally believed to be irrelevant in the formation of vein disease.